Overview of inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have been on the increase in terms of incidence, prevalence, and virulence. The young adult population is affected most frequently and most severely. The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown, but many misconceptions exist about its etiology. Nurses need to be familiar with the similarities and differences between the two illnesses, the treatment, and the prognosis in order to be effective care givers. Good health care can make a significant contribution to the quality of life the patient subsequently has.